White-out?

You could be forgiven for not having noticed, but the first
week of May was “World Wine Week.” The second week of this well-blessed month
has been declared “British Sandwich Week,” perhaps appropriate enough, as the
handy meal was invented—or at least named--in England. In between these two
sort-of events, May 6 was designated “International Sauvignon Blanc Day.” Busy
month for food and wine! What was most interesting about Sauvignon Blanc Day was that
the official Bordeaux Blanc group made a great deal of noise about it,
celebrating its principal grape with much fanfare, but didn’t once mention the
minor but crucial partner in the blend, Semillon. If ever there were a grape
worthy of being acclaimed as Best Supporting Actor, Semillon should win in a walk, but it
seems to be a victim of fashion. It was once a serious contender in Washington State,
but even Pinot Grigio has overtaken it there, and Chile has cut back its acreage.
Only Australia
honors it (and does it proud, as proven by a recent bottle of Tyrell's Hunter Valley 2005), which may be something to consider while we ponder our wine choices
for “Barbecue Week,” which is the last week of May. Shiraz, anyone?